Automatic releasing device for window-sashes.



Patented Sept, 23, I902.

0. RUPP. AUTOMATIC RELEASING DEVICE FOR WINDOW SASH ES.

Application filed June 7 1902.)

\No Model.)

nirnn STATES Parent PIBICEQ CHARLES RUPP, OF PIIILADELPIIIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO J. THORNE COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORA TlON OF PENNSYLVANIA.

AUTGWIATIC RELEASING DEVICE FDR \Nlitl DOW SASHES.

SPEGZIEEGATZON forming part of Letters Patent No. 709,800, dated September 23, 1902.

Application filed June '7. 1902. definite-110,687. (No modeLI T at whom it may concern: dowframe of any desired construction, in 50 lie it known that I, CHARLES RUPP, a citiwhich are upper and lower sashes B and l3. zen of the United States, residing in Philadel- The sashes consist of hollow metallic framephia, Pennsylvania, have invented certain works, as indicated in the figures, and the Improvements in Automatic Releasing Delower sash is shown as provided with counvices for WindowSashes, ofwhich the followterweights a, having chains a passing over 5;. ing is a specification. pulleys a, carried by the frame A. From Fig. My invention consists of certain improve- 2 it will be seen that the lower frame is proments in fireproof window-sashes, and more vided with channel-shaped sections 1) within particularly of an improved attachment for the upper portion of its hollow side memsuch sashes, the invention having for its obbers, there being similar pieces I), suitably 6o ject the provision of a device which shall auheld within the hollow of its lower member tomatically operate to release a raised winb directly under its side members 11 Passdow-sash and permit it to close when a preing through suitable openings in these sec- I5 determined rise of temperature occurs in its tions 1) and b is a member C, shown in the immediate vicinity. This object I attain as drawings as consisting of a heavy wire or red, 6; hereinafter set forth, reference being had to althoughit will be understood that,if desired, the accompanying drawings, in which it may be a metallic cable or chain. This Figurel is a front elevation, partly in secmember has an eye or hook a at one end,

tion, of a Window-sash equipped with myimto which is attached the chain or cable a proved device. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevaconnected to the counterweight a, andhas on tion of a portion of one of the side members its lower end a body of material 0, preferof the sash, showingthe method by which the ably composed of a metal having a relatively flexible connection between the sash and the low fusing-point. The end of the member 0 2 counterweight is attached to the sash. Fig. is preferably roughened or nicked, so as to 3 is an inverted plan view taken through the retain the body 0 in position, this latter belower member of the sash directly under one ing cast around said end and bearing against of the side members, and Figs. 4c and 5 illusthe under surface of the channel-section. If trate other methods of attaching the coundesired, this body of fusible material a may 0 terweight connection to the sash. Fig. 6 is a be cast into the hollowof an iron nutc Fig.

detailed View of a modification. 4, in which the nicked end of the member 0 In connection with the equipment of buildhas been previously placed, thus giving a ings with fireproof window-sashes, frames, greater bearing-surface upon the section Z) and other similar parts it has been found adand also havinga greater resistance to a pull- 35 visable to also provide means or mechanism ing strain exerted upon the member (1. An-

by which such fireproof sashes will be permitother method of attaching the fusible piece 8: ted to automatically close if in an open posic is shown in Fig. 5, in which the end 0 of tion in case of the breaking out of a fire, with the member 0 is made tapering upwardly,

a consequent rise of temperature, in their imthe opening through the section Z) beinglarge 4o mediate vicinity. enough to permit of the passage of this end.

The form of device shown in the above The body of fusible material has a tapered o drawings is particularly adapted for applicaopening through it which fits the end of the tion to the lower of the two sashes usually member 0, as shown, retaining it in position found in windows and has been devised with until it is released by the fusing of the mate- 45 the idea of providing a device which shall cerrial. The inverted plan view of one corner tainly operate when there has been but a'very of the window-sash illustratedinFig.2 clearly small rise of temperature above what has shows the position which the beveled section been found to be the danger limit. Z) occupies relatively to the side member of In the above drawings, A is a metallic winthe sash, also showing the notch or groove (1 i'or the accommodation of the glass and its retaining material.

In use a sash having my improved device ordinarily operates in the Well-known manner, although should the sash be in a raised position when flames or heated gas from a fire pass through the window between the lower member 19 of the sash and the sill 19 such heat would fuse the bodies of fusible material 0, thus releasing the members G and allowing the sash B to drop to its closed position under the influence of gravity, rendering it for the time being entirely independent of the counter-weights a. If desired, the end of the member 0 may be threaded and the body of fusible material 0 be screwed thereon instead of being cast in position.

The advantage of my improved construction over those at present known in the art will be understood when it is noted that the fusible material for releasing the sash from its counterweights is placed in a position where it will be exposed to flame or heated gas as soon as the flame or heated gas attempts to pass into or out of the window, being thereby quickly acted upon to permit the closing of the sash. This is an extremely important feature, since unless all windows be closed at an early stage of a fire or before it attains a great headway such devices are utterly useless.

I claim as my invention- 1. The combination of a window-sash, a counterweight having means for operatively connecting it to said sash, said means being detachably held to the sash at a point adjacent to its lower edge, substantially as described.

2. The combination of a window sash, a counterweight and a connection between said two members, the same having means attaching it to the sash at a point adjacent to the lower edge thereof, and being constructed to automatically operate to disconnect said sash from its counterweight upon a predetermined rise of pressure, substantially as described.

3. The combination of a window-sash, a counterweight and a connection between said two members, with a device normally attaching said connection to the lower portion ofsaid sash and including fusible material whereby the sash is disconnected from the counterweight when said device is exposed to a predetermined rise of temperature, substantially as described.

4:. The combination of a window-sash, a counterweight therefolga connection between said two members, a portion of said connection extending to the lower part of the sash, a body of material upon the connection whereby the latter is attached to said sash, said material having a relatively low fusing-point, substantially as described.

5. The combination of a sash, a counterweight therefor, a connection extending between said two members,said connection passing through a side member of the sash to the lower portion thereof, with a body of the material of relatively low fusing-point holding the connection to the sash, substantially as described.

6. The combination of a window-sash, a counterweight therefor, achain extending between said two members, a portion of the chain passing through the side member of the sash to the lower edge thereof and having a body of material of relatively low fusingpoint normally holdingit to the sash,substantially as described.

7. The combination of a window-sash, a counterweight therefor, a chain connecting said two members, said chain passing through one of the side members of the sash, and being held to the sash bya body of material of relatively low fusing-point having a body of relatively infusible material substantially surrounding it, substantially as described.

8. The combination of a frame, a windowsash mounted therein,rods extending through the side members of the sash, counterbalancing devices attached to the upper ends of said rods and a fusible head attached to the lower end of the rods and bearing against the under side of the sash, substantially as described.

9. The combination of a frame, a windowsash mounted therein,rods extending through the side membersof the sash, counterbalancing devices attached to the upper portions of said rods, the lower ends of the rods being roughened and a fusible head secured to the roughened portions of the rods and bearing against the under side of the sash, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES RUPP.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM E. BRADLEY, J os. H. KLEIN. 

